Sivaratri: Bali tharpanam in Aluva manappuram; traffic regulations in Kochi, special buses

Kochi's Aluva Manappuram is all set to host Maha Sivaratri, when lakhs of devotees will gather along the banks of the Periyar to offer bali tarpanam in reverent remembrance of their ancestors. Although Maha Sivaratri falls on Sunday, an unusually heavy rush is expected over the next three days, with Bali Tharpanam and Amavasi rituals likely to continue. 

Timings
Sivaratri begins at midnight tonight, and devotees can begin performing the Sivaratri bali tarpanam from Sunday morning until Monday noon, said Mullappilly Shankaran Namboothiri, Melsanthi (head priest) of the Manappuram Mahadeva Temple.

On Tuesday, which marks the amavasi day in Kumbham, vavu bali rites may also be performed. The official commencement of Bali tarpanam at Manappuram will follow the Sivaratri vilakku and a ceremonial procession at midnight on Sunday. However, the performance of Bali Tharapanam is slated to begin much earlier at the 110 balitharas prepared along the riverbanks, under the guidance of priests.

Traffic regulations
Traffic regulations will be enforced in the town from 4 pm on Sunday till 2 pm on Monday in connection with the event.

To ensure the safety of devotees, 1,500 police personnel have been deployed. The Travancore Devaswom Board has arranged accident insurance coverage worth Rs 2 crore, while the municipality has provided an additional Rs 1 crore coverage for devotees arriving at Manappuram. The celebrations will be conducted in accordance with the Green Protocol, and free meals will be provided to devotees who keep vigil overnight.

Bali tarpanam rates, special buses
The Travancore Devaswom Board has fixed a fee of Rs 100 for Bali tarpanam. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation will operate 210 special bus services to Manappuram. Special night services will also be operated by Kochi Metro till 11.30 pm on Sunday.